I can't wait any longer for my chicks

[Nslangton]

I ordered chicks from a local hatchery. Today is hatch day. I can pick them up this afternoon or anytime tomorrow. Do they have a better chance of survival if they stay at the hatchery the first night? I have had my brooder up and running for a two weeks already. What would you guys do? I might go crazy if I have to wait until tomorrow

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

As long as they look happy and healthy, I would go ahead and pick them up today if that's what you want to do.

 

[LaynaDon95]

As long as they are fluffy before you try to transport them then I don't think it matters. I can totally understand how you feel. I wouldn't want to wait either!!
Congrats on you babies. How many of what kind are you getting?

 

[Nslangton]

Thanks, I'm getting 3 White Leghorns and 3 brown egg layers (White rock hen crossed with RIR Rooster) I ordered these cause we only want eggs and we absolutely will not be eating the hens after they stop laying. We have a hatchery a few minutes away and they only sell 4 types. 2 egg layers and 2 meat birds. I can pick them up so they won't have to be shipped. I keep reading about orders of chicks arriving dead in this cold weather and that freaked me out a little bit. That is why I ordered from this hatchery I would be devastated if I opened a box of dead chicks.

 

[LaynaDon95]

I love my withe Leghorn. She lays huge eggs!
What will you do with the hens once they stop laying?

I know lots of people won't eat them, I'm just curious what you do with them then?

 

[Nslangton]

Don't know, hopefully a have a few years before I have to worry about that. Any suggestions?

 

[LaynaDon95]

Well... You can give them to someone else... But they would eat them. Or you could just feed and keep them until they die.
I heard of someone selling them to a pet store to add some... decoration, to the snake habitat... Somehow I don't see you doing that though. =P

Personally I see no more fitting end to a hens long life than a dinner table, but I know not all people feel that way. I haven't really though of what else to do with them after they stop laying. That's why I asked. I have a friend that just gives her roosters away (I'm not sure if she does with her hens). She just doesn't ask what they are going to do with them.

 

[runsw/scissors]

I have one hen that will stay with me for as long as she lives. She is as close to push button broody as I have ever heard of. Keep her around eggs and promptly sits on them (usually within 36 - 48 hours) after she sits for a few days I give her baby chicks that she raises as her own. Way cool!

Really it depends on the hen and how much space I have.